Top locations for the grape harvest in Europe
When you saw the title of this article, you probably thought that we will be talking about France, Italy, Spain or any other so-called traditional wine destinations… This would of course also be the easiest. But we search for other destinations, those that might not be traditionally associated with wine tourism, but still play a very important role in this field. We hope to give you an inspiration. We asked ourselves: where can you get the best insight into local customs and traditions? Which are the best wine countries to visit this autumn? Our choice is:
1. Bulgaria
The fact that Bulgaria has 5 wine regions, speaks for itself – Bulgaria is one of the places to be when it comes to wine! They have a great number of indigenous grape varieties, such as Gamza, Melnik, Mavrud, Red Misket, Pamid which are known worldwide… While the northernmost region on the Danubian Plain is suitable for both, red and white sorts of wine, white wines prevail in the Eastern region, on the coast of the Black Sea. The so-called Valley of Roses, referred to also as the Sub-Balkan wine region, is known for dry and semi-dry white wines and the unique Red Misket. The Thracian Valley represents the Southern wine region, known for Mavrud – probably the most famous dry red wine also known as the wine of the Thracians. Last but not least, the Struma Valley represents the Southwestern wine region of Bulgaria, where the fusion between the mild Mediterranean climate, authentic culture and breathtaking Bulgarian architecture create a perfect atmosphere to have a sip of Broad-Leaved Melnik (Shiroka Melnishka Loza) – a red type of grape from the region.
The fact that Bulgaria has 5 wine regions, speaks for itself – Bulgaria is one of the places to be when it comes to wine! They have a great number of indigenous grape varieties, such as Gamza, Melnik, Mavrud, Red Misket, Pamid which are known worldwide… While the northernmost region on the Danubian Plain is suitable for both, red and white sorts of wine, white wines prevail in the Eastern region, on the coast of the Black Sea. The so-called Valley of Roses, referred to also as the Sub-Balkan wine region, is known for dry and semi-dry white wines and the unique Red Misket. The Thracian Valley represents the Southern wine region, known for Mavrud – probably the most famous dry red wine also known as the wine of the Thracians. Last but not least, the Struma Valley represents the Southwestern wine region of Bulgaria, where the fusion between the mild Mediterranean climate, authentic culture and breathtaking Bulgarian architecture create a perfect atmosphere to have a sip of Broad-Leaved Melnik (Shiroka Melnishka Loza) – a red type of grape from the region.
2. Croatia
Croatia is much more than sea, sun and salt. The country is also a serious player when it comes to wine – can you believe that more than 60 indigenous grape varieties grow here? Geographically, we could roughly divide it into two parts when it comes to wine-making: the coastal and the continental part. While the continental region produces rich fruity white wines, the wines on the north coast, in Istria resemble the ones produced in the neighbouring Italy. Further south, production is more focused on producing Mediterranean-style red wines. Also the islands are worth visiting in terms of wine: there are some great local grape varieties, including some of Croatia’s best known wines, such as Plavac Mali. If you plan to visit Croatia in autumn, combining your trip with a visit to a local harvest can upgrade your experience of Croatian culture and their traditions.
Croatia is much more than sea, sun and salt. The country is also a serious player when it comes to wine – can you believe that more than 60 indigenous grape varieties grow here? Geographically, we could roughly divide it into two parts when it comes to wine-making: the coastal and the continental part. While the continental region produces rich fruity white wines, the wines on the north coast, in Istria resemble the ones produced in the neighbouring Italy. Further south, production is more focused on producing Mediterranean-style red wines. Also the islands are worth visiting in terms of wine: there are some great local grape varieties, including some of Croatia’s best known wines, such as Plavac Mali. If you plan to visit Croatia in autumn, combining your trip with a visit to a local harvest can upgrade your experience of Croatian culture and their traditions.
3. Slovenia
Slovenia, a country that lies on the crossroads of four major geographical European regions and is thus often referred to as Europe in nutshell, boasts some great wines: be it white or red, dry or sweet – no matter what kind of wine you prefer, you will find your favourite variety in Slovenia. In general, Slovenia is divided into three wine-growing regions with 14 wine-growing districts. Thanks to the differences in soil, climate, and cellaring methods, each wine-growing region has its own selection of varieties – in total, no less than 52 vine varieties grow here. Among them is also the world’s oldest vine located in Maribor – this is why, the ceremonial grape harvest is especially worth visiting.
Slovenia, a country that lies on the crossroads of four major geographical European regions and is thus often referred to as Europe in nutshell, boasts some great wines: be it white or red, dry or sweet – no matter what kind of wine you prefer, you will find your favourite variety in Slovenia. In general, Slovenia is divided into three wine-growing regions with 14 wine-growing districts. Thanks to the differences in soil, climate, and cellaring methods, each wine-growing region has its own selection of varieties – in total, no less than 52 vine varieties grow here. Among them is also the world’s oldest vine located in Maribor – this is why, the ceremonial grape harvest is especially worth visiting.
4. Hungary
In the past, approximately one hundred years ago, Hungary was one of the most important wine producers in Europe. All the major players, including royalty, drank precious gold Tokaji wine and also other whites and reds were popular in the whole of Europe. Afterwards they faced some difficult times due to the phylloxera in the 1880’s and other social happenings, including world wars and communist times. But now Hungary is back on track. They have 22 wine growing regions, with the top 4 being Tokaj, Eger, Villány and Somló. In autumn, they organize a number of wine festivals. Many of them already took place, but if you hurry up, you might be able to catch some of the most renowned harvest festivals, including The Harvest Festival and Harvest Ball in Dunaharaszti, which takes place on 29 September, Tokaj Harvest Days which take place 5-7 October or Hungarian Harvest and Cheese Festival, which takes places in Budapest, 24-25 November – this is not really a harvest festival, but it’s the closest you can get to the costums and traditions that late. Contact us for further details…
In the past, approximately one hundred years ago, Hungary was one of the most important wine producers in Europe. All the major players, including royalty, drank precious gold Tokaji wine and also other whites and reds were popular in the whole of Europe. Afterwards they faced some difficult times due to the phylloxera in the 1880’s and other social happenings, including world wars and communist times. But now Hungary is back on track. They have 22 wine growing regions, with the top 4 being Tokaj, Eger, Villány and Somló. In autumn, they organize a number of wine festivals. Many of them already took place, but if you hurry up, you might be able to catch some of the most renowned harvest festivals, including The Harvest Festival and Harvest Ball in Dunaharaszti, which takes place on 29 September, Tokaj Harvest Days which take place 5-7 October or Hungarian Harvest and Cheese Festival, which takes places in Budapest, 24-25 November – this is not really a harvest festival, but it’s the closest you can get to the costums and traditions that late. Contact us for further details…
5. Austria
In the past, approximately one hundred years ago, Hungary was one of the most important wine producers in Europe. All the major players, including royalty, drank precious gold Tokaji wine and also other whites and reds were popular in the whole of Europe. Afterwards they faced some difficult times due to the phylloxera in the 1880’s and other social happenings, including world wars and communist times. But now Hungary is back on track. They have 22 wine growing regions, with the top 4 being Tokaj, Eger, Villány and Somló. In autumn, they organize a number of wine festivals. Many of them already took place, but if you hurry up, you might be able to catch some of the most renowned harvest festivals, including The Harvest Festival and Harvest Ball in Dunaharaszti, which takes place on 29 September, Tokaj Harvest Days which take place 5-7 October or Hungarian Harvest and Cheese Festival, which takes places in Budapest, 24-25 November – this is not really a harvest festival, but it’s the closest you can get to the costums and traditions that late. Contact us for further details…
In the past, approximately one hundred years ago, Hungary was one of the most important wine producers in Europe. All the major players, including royalty, drank precious gold Tokaji wine and also other whites and reds were popular in the whole of Europe. Afterwards they faced some difficult times due to the phylloxera in the 1880’s and other social happenings, including world wars and communist times. But now Hungary is back on track. They have 22 wine growing regions, with the top 4 being Tokaj, Eger, Villány and Somló. In autumn, they organize a number of wine festivals. Many of them already took place, but if you hurry up, you might be able to catch some of the most renowned harvest festivals, including The Harvest Festival and Harvest Ball in Dunaharaszti, which takes place on 29 September, Tokaj Harvest Days which take place 5-7 October or Hungarian Harvest and Cheese Festival, which takes places in Budapest, 24-25 November – this is not really a harvest festival, but it’s the closest you can get to the costums and traditions that late. Contact us for further details…
